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I've done a search here on JW Sound etc and have found a couple of useful threads but not much... and I have texted/called my brains trust but thought I'd ask the oracle that is this forum... anyone have any info or advice for me on outback / desert shoot? 
 
here's a few things I've figured out or have been told:
 
  • gel packs for the 788T to keep temp down (plus back up machines)
  • fans on cart for air for kit and me
  • careful with cables when they get hot (not so much of an issue with wireless and being cart mode, admittedly)
  • seal Transmitter sockets to prevent sweat getting in
  • neoprene / neopax to prevent overheat Tx from hurting actors
  • plenty of sunscreen, loose clothing, hats
  • fridge in back of sound van with beer/cider/cryo packed steaks...
  • warm clothes for cold nights
  • water bottles at the ready for hydration and gatorade powder for when dehydrated
  • paintbrushes to keep dust out of gear, mini compressor in van to do same + canned air & mini vacuum cleaner (fine bull dust is an issue in Outback Australia).

 

What else has everyone got?

 

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Dane

info@soundengineered.com.au

www.soundengineered.com.au

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The main thing with hot-running gear like 788 (and certain TX) is to make sure your rig allows for air to circ around them.  It's tough to do that and protect from dust, so mostly you just have to live with dust and do your diligence a few times a day to keep things cool.  Protecting the recorder from direct sun helps a lot.

 

philp

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The only other thing I can add from my experience in bordering dessert areas of WA and NSW is the flies may drive you absolutely crazy. The first couple you swallow, freak you out. After that they become protein. Fly nets help as can spraying the fluffy with insect repellent.

 

Dust is by for the biggest issue with gear. If it is anywhere with pindan (may be misspelt), good luck getting that orange earth out of your clothes and gear. It stains.

 

Often in the those kind of heats your blood thins a little to help your body regulate its temperature. As a result on one dessert job I did, most of the crew suffered from blood noses. Nothing to concerning. Keep your hydration and blood sugar levels up to avoid this.

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Thanks all, great advice so far!

 

Nate, spraying the fluffy with insect repellent - genius! same goes for anyone with a lav on I would say, too.

 

FYI shoot in in Alice Springs, and it is in approx 6 weeks, the weather that time of year in Central Australia is not as brutal as I initially thought.

 

Cheers and keep em' coming!

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Clean the inputs of your transmitters as dirt and sweat can suddenly cause noise.

 

Use and air blower first then De-Oxit

 

Trams and Sonotrims can suffer from the salts in body sweat

 

Best to have available mikes like the B3 / B6 and whatever is water OK

 

Drink small amounts of tepid not cold water frequently and maybe an electrolyte replacement

 

Yep fly and sweat bees can be annoying!

 

Have fun

 

mike

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Colombia / Kathmandu / Mountain Designs fishing shirts are great for days out in the sun, good cover, well ventilated and quick drying after a wash.

 

Legionnaire type hat.

 

Spare sunnies ( cheapies.... ya can't loose them!!! )

 

Have a good one.

 

Pat

 

PS. Don't stop for John Jarrat.......

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Hey mate!

As the guys have said, be careful of the dust, take some cans of compressed air. There is a Jaycar there called Alicetronics. Also, wear light long sleeved shirts and pants, A for the sun, and B for the dust. Your looking at around 35-37 degrees Celsius during the day and 18-20 degrees Celsius during the nights, the temperature drop is huge in the evening. Get some sting-goes, Lucas pawpaw and Panadol. Sting-goes is for the mosquito bites, Lucas Paw Paw for the chapped lips, and Panadol for if you get dehydrated. Bushmans is the strongest repellent, but would eat the paint of a car, but there are some nicer non smelling ones you can get from the supermarket. The rest is fairly self explanatory, sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks.

On the gear front, I've never had any troubles working there or in more extreme environments. As long as your aware of the dust, there's nothing really much to change.

There are two great restaurants there, one is an Italian place called La Casa, on the northern end of the Tod Mall, just across the river. The other is one of my all time favourites, it's a Thai place called Hunnamans, in the hotel with the Casino. The Chilli Crab Trumpet Mushrooms are to die for. There is also a decent coffee shop in the mall, in a little arcade on the right just up from the KFC end.

Have a great time there mate, and if you have any questions give me a call. I've been there maybe 30 times now over the years.

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Thanks Pat, I hope you're well. I'm a sucker for punishment, will probably watch Wolf Creek 1 & 2 before I head out. 

 

Good call, Johnny - cheers!

 

BWilson, your local knowledge is FANTASTIC - I needed to know good food places and coffee! Eternally grateful. 

 

 

Some very good points, gentleman - much obliged!!

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Hanuman is at the Hilton when I was there few months ago. Good eating at Thai restaurant at casino but booking is essential even if they're empty - figure that out. Will be cold at night and early morning - desert conditions. Good coffee from early morning (except weekend) in the mall - best coffee is one with outdoor seating.

It will still be fly season - annoying but not life threatening.

Getting to the best time of the year to be up there. Also need to remember (especially female crew members) that Alice Springs can be quite dodgy walking around in the evening - particularly the Todd river bed.

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